Abdur Rehman made his debut for Pakistan during the ODI home series against West Indies at the ripe old age of 26 (old considering the subcontinent's trait of ruthlessly exposing youth to the world's best). Not a huge turner of the cricket ball, his accuracy and consistency, as well as exploiting the rough marks, does it for him not only at the domestic circuit but at the elite level as well.

Rehman's rise to fame goes way back to 1999 when he grabbed a five-for and a six-wicket haul in successive matches while representing Pakistan Under-19 against South Africa in 1999. He was picked for the side even though he only had a brace of first-class outings. His performance in domestic competitions have been notable, especially during the 2006-07 season where he ended up as the highest wicket-taker in the Pentangular Cup including an 11-wicket haul for champions Habib Bank Limited in the penultimate match of the season.

In the early years, Rehman's opportunities on the international circuit were limited, partly because of the abundance of spinners in the line-up, and partly because he was believed to lack the artillery to cause major concern to batsmen in Test matches. Rehman's Test debut was an auspicious one - he took eight wickets at home against South Africa in 2007 - but played only one more Test before being dropped for three years. Upon his return in 2010, he carved a more permanent place for himself as Pakistan opted for a twin-spin attack in Tests. He showed that he deserved a place too, reaching the 50-wicket mark in only his 11th Test.

In 2012 he helped terrorise England, then the No. 1 Test team, in the UAE with 19 wickets at 16.73 as Pakistan completed their first ever series whitewash over England. Later that year he joined Somerset where he took 9 for 65 in an innings against Worcestershire at Taunton but also received a 12-week ban after failing a drugs test.
Osman Samiuddin

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